Thoughts needed on tire choice..

[FBR_BDavis]

I'm going to be purchasing new tires for my '09 250R within the next week or two, and wanted to pick your brains for thoughts on size and manufacturer/model choice..

My riding generally consists of normal daily treks on local twisty roadways with some interstate and highway riding mixed in..

I've been looking at the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II along with a few others from Bridgestone and Michelin.. As for size, I've been considering going from the stock 110/70 and 130/70 sizes to a 110/70 and 140/70 setup.. I also considered a 150/60 rear, but think that would be overkill..

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated..

[csmith12]

The Rosso II's are not known for their mileage, you might want to look at some of the other options and you can't really go wrong with 110f and a 130/140r. There are some great tire choices in those sizes.

[alex.s]

i've never got more than 6 or 7k miles on a pair of DR2s. i had a pair of bt45s that lasted like 10 or 12k though!

[BoBO]

Michelin pilot street radial on OEM size or Sport Demons.BT-003 or DR2 for grip but you will have to do a 140/70 on the rear instead of 130/70.

[FBR_BDavis]

With the Bridgestones, the Battlax BT45 doesn't offer the 140 rear tire that I've seen, so that one is off of my list..

The Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S20 EVO looks to be the best bang for the buck in the sizing that I want.. The Pirelli Sport Demons and DR2s are another option it seems.. The BT-003s might be a bit too aggressive for everyday riding, though having never used them, I can't form an honest opinion.. I've also seen the BT-090s, which don't look like a bad option either..

Oh, decisions decisions!! LOL!! Keep the thoughts coming though..

[sparky80]

I can't speak much on the S20's, but they did replace the BT016's which I have on my FZ1. I'm VERY impressed by the grip and wear on those tires. Even after 3 semi-aggressive trackdays in the texas heat and some spirited riding, they are still holding up pretty well. I've got a bit over 3k miles on them and prolly can do another 1500 or so and they'll be done.
This is coming off a bike that weighs bout 150 lbs more and 120 more wheel hp and they are fantastic. Lots of the guys in my FZ forum use the S20's and have had great luck with them.
I'd give the S20's a shot and 'stones are relatively cheap compared to others.
did that help? who knows...

[sharky nrk]

I got only like 5K and a couple track days on a BT16 rear, thinking about replacing with a s20 evo to kill the front and then prob something touring based.

[NevadaWolf]

Originally Posted by FBR_BDavis

With the Bridgestones, the Battlax BT45 doesn't offer the 140 rear tire that I've seen, so that one is off of my list..

Check that again. I had 140's on mine. Bought mine from the Kawi shop in Reno, and a generic shop in Jacksonville that had them in stock due to "being the stock tire for the 300". Revzilla is showing the 140/70-17 in stock.


Of the mentioned ones, my opinions on them. I have run 110 on the front and 140 on the rear for all tires since I ditched the IRCs.

DRIIs, brilliant for track and hard cornering, very sticky. However, highway and interstate will eat them alive. Ran through several pairs, got 10-12k out of the front and 5k-6k out of the rear. I ran my rear down to cords and the front until it was cracking.

BT-45s, stable in the rain and longer lasting than the DRIIs. Got 7k-9k out of the rear and 16k out of the front. (Replaced the front when it began peeling...)

Pilot Streets, incredibly stable in the rain and laughs at the interstate. 7k on the front and rear and it's barely showing it. Haven't run them on the track, but I feel glued when cornering in the Sierras.

[wardie]

My 2012 Ninja 250 has close to 7500 miles on her this year (Bike was new in crate mid June) and the stock tires have worn very well. I expect to get 12 out of the front and at least 10 K in the back.

I have swapped out to BT 45's on my pre gens and liked them. I felt the turn in was as good as anything I had on previously, tire wear was outstanding and you could lean em' till you touched your knee which is over far enough for me

I can caution all those interested in changing tire sizes..mostly my comments are for the fronts. I've gone bigger on the aspect ratio in other words a fatter tire on my 500 Ninja and it really messed up the tip in. You really had to counter steer.. to get her tipping strongly into a curve. My mistake couldn't wait till the correct size came in and I swapped it out.

I am hopeful more will post up about their experiences with different brand s and sizing it all is helpful. Thanks Wardie

[Singh2jz]

Wider isn't always better, no? especially for the 250..?

I'd say get BT-45's..110F & 130R

-My .02

[Alex]

I'd vote against the DRII's for riding as you described your needs/wants. The mileage is just too short. Nothing wrong with the BT-45's, but I think I'd go for the Michelin Pilot Streets at this point. Incredible mileage numbers, even on bikes ridden by very fast, very aggressive riders. Great handling, great wet performance; really no downsides,

[verboten1]

streets have been awesome for me. even in the wet. on the dragon.

[liberpolly]

Another vote for Michelin Pilots in various incarnations, on both of my bikes.

[FBR_BDavis]

Thanks for all of the replies and information/opinions.. I've decided to go with the Michelin Pilot Streets after reading so many positive reviews here and elsewhere.. 110/70 and 140/70 will do just fine..

[wardie]

I've run the Michelins Powers on my BMW Rockster and really liked the dual and triple compound construction. The best of both worlds IMO. Great handling and longer life . Really good choice please report back on your thoughts after you've run them a couple thousand miles. I'll have to change out sometime this coming riding season and it would be good to know your thoughts on how they performed. Thanks wardie

[Alex]

There are definitely similarities across Michelin's tire line, but they do have varying characteristics.

http://motorcycle.michelinman.com/

- Street Pilots (made especially for light / low power bikes, come in sizes for the small CBRs & Ninjas, incredible mileage, tread pattern similar to Pilot Road 2's
- Pilot Road series (there have been the originals, 2's, 3's, and now Pilot Road 4's. these are sized and developed for larger/heavier sport-touring type bikes. Many sportbike riders use them to get max mileage, while giving up some performance)
- Pilot Power (many different versions of these, but generally they are the most sport-focused, made for higher-hp bikes. Less mileage than either of the prior two.

While we can cram the last two onto the rear wheel of the 300 pretty easily, and even the 250 with its narrower rim, they aren't intended for this bike and may not provide the expected benefits.

[NevadaWolf]

Here's a good review from one of the more aggresive riders here on the Pilot Streets.

https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=181591

[allanoue]

Originally Posted by FBR_BDavis

Thanks for all of the replies and information/opinions.. I've decided to go with the Michelin Pilot Streets after reading so many positive reviews here and elsewhere.. 110/70 and 140/70 will do just fine..

I have what you are getting, just on a 300. I think you made a good choice.